…Foster Unity of Tradition and Academia
In a display of profound camaraderie and cultural appreciation, a delegation of esteemed monarchs from Ogun State paid a visit to the revered Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V, during the 30th Convocation Ceremonies of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). This remarkable convergence of tradition and academia underscored the harmonious melding of heritage and scholarly excellence NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The distinguished gathering was graced by eminent monarchs, including Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola Oluyalo, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, and Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro. Their presence, resplendent in traditional regalia, added an aura of magnificence to the occasion, symbolising the intertwining of nobility and ancestral heritage. 
Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V, the Chancellor of FUNAAB, further accentuated the connection between academia and traditional leadership. This profound convergence emphasised the intrinsic link between knowledge and heritage, two pivotal pillars that uphold the cultural fabric of the region.
During a press briefing, Vice Chancellor Kehinde Olusola announced that FUNAAB is set to confer degrees upon 2,823 graduating students, including an impressive cohort of 118 First Class honorees. The meticulously organised convocation ceremony spanned two days, with the first day dedicated to the conferment of degrees upon first-degree recipients. The subsequent day celebrated graduates from various academic disciplines.
The harmonious synergy between revered monarchs and the academic institution resonates as a testament to the seamless interplay between tradition and modernity. This ceremonial convergence exemplifies the spirit of unity and cultural preservation, etching an enduring mark in both history and academia. As Ogun State monarchs extended their reverence to the Obong of Calabar, the tapestry of heritage intricately intertwined with the pursuit of knowledge, creating a legacy that resonates across generations.
The Convocation Ceremonies commenced on Friday, August 4, 2023, with a Jumat Service at the University Mosque, followed by an Interdenominational Church Service at the University Chapel on Sunday, August 6, 2023. Notably, the Convocation Lecture and Award of Higher Degrees, featuring former Minister of Education and former President of the World Bank (Africa Region), Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, were held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, further enhancing the academic and cultural significance of the event.
